OStatic

Cfree Takes an Open Source Approach to Telescope Development

The components of a standard reflecting telescope haven't changed much since Issac Newton built the first one more than 300 years ago -- it's still essentially mirrors in a tube. As the technology behind telescope development and construction advances, however, so does the expense of building them. Cfree is a new project aimed at using open source principles to make reflector technology more accessible to -- and less expensive for -- the scientific community.

Cfree is developing a renewable, lightweight, and lower-cost alternative to traditional heavy reflector mirrors. Its Renewable Thin Film Mirror (RTFM) is a reflective thin film molded with a renewable thermoplastic resin (GEL 1.0) and an insulating, microbial resistant, sustainable backing material; which also assumes the role of support structure. Traditional reflector mirror making process is divided into blank making, grinding and polishing. RTFM is produced in a single approach – reflective thin film is  shaped, thermoplastic resin is then molded into a part and sealed, providing for a gradual cooling of the mirror." The company is also working on creating the hardware to manufacture the mirrors, as well as a renewable thermoplastic molding agent made of glucose, eucalyptus, and shellac.

This technology could prove important for scientist looking for ways to bring down the total weight of space-bound and earth-based telescopes. The primary mirror in the Hubble telescope, for example, weighs 1,820 pounds. Lighter mirrors on future space telescopes mean lower payload weights on spacecraft that transport them. Payload weights have a direct bearing on the complexities of injecting spacecraft into orbit.

There are also practical implications here on earth to the technology Cfree is developing. In addition to the eco-friendly aspect of the project, it lays the groundwork for other industries to collaborate and use some of the materials other ways. For instance, the molding agent can also be used in 3D printing, injection molding, and a variety of other industrial applications.

Check out Cfree's Web site for more information, or download the white paper [PDF] for a thorough look at what this forward-thinking new company is planning for the future

• astronomy
• cfree
• telescopes

by Ivan on Nov. 26, 2009

Lisa,

Thanks taking time to read into our tech!

We were a bit hesitant to release this project, as its still work in progess...but we were hopeful that people in the open source community will appreciate how much effort has been put into the development and hopefully see the potential it carries. Not only in terms of dollar per aperture value for space telescope optics, but also for the kids in schools.

In a school I have been through, someone mentioned that we will have astronomy class and all kids got really excited. Even the ones who were into bullying more then into studying. Later, to our disappointment, we found that the school couldn't afford to buy a telescope and we had OH&S class instead. I lost interest in science for years after that. Something I regret. We cant change past, but we can affect the future.

Cfree technology is still in its early days and is rough around the edges, but we doing the best we can to turn the discoveries made into successful products that enlighten minds. We invite open source people and organisations interested in advancing science to join us on our quest.

Thanks and regards,

Ivan Goloborodko

Director of Cfree

0 Votes

Share Your Comments